William Richardson: Independent schools’ attainment figures are good news for everyone

Independent Sector

Thanks to the University of Durham, our understanding of school-age education was significantly enhanced this week. The Sunday Times. Dr William Richardson is general secretary of the Headmasters’ and Headmistresses’ Conference and an honorary professor of education at the University of Exeter.

Cambridge University college launches scheme to widen state access to study medicine

Higher Education

One of Cambridge University’s oldest colleges has launched a scheme to encourage sixth-formers from state schools to apply to study medicine by letting them experience undergraduate life. By Sarah Cassidy, The Independent.

Schools are in the grip of a “national crisis” over teacher recruitment, a headteachers’ leader will tell the Secretary of State for Education Nicky Morgan this week. By Richard Garner, The Independent.

Pupil numbers bulge causes secondary catchment areas to shrink to less than 1km

General Education

England’s bulge in pupil numbers means that the catchment areas of an increasing number of state secondaries are becoming smaller than ever before, according to new analysis seen by TES. By Eleanor Busby, TES. Also reported by BBC News online, The Guardian and Telegraph.

THEY are a firm favourite with parents and primary school teachers — but now the government’s behaviour tsar has warned that rewarding children with stickers and gold stars could be counter-productive. By Sian Griffiths, The Sunday Times.

Mothers and fathers are fuelling playground feuds by vilifying other people’s children online and in person, write Sian Griffiths and Julie Henry. The Sunday Times. Quotes Sarah Welch, chairwoman of the Independent Schools Association and head of Gosfield School in Halstead, Essex.

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